Comments on: Monet in the Box – Creativity and Shame

By: Päivi

Päivi — Sat, 12 Jun 2021 11:14:24 +0000

In reply to Michele. Thanks so much for a lovely comment, Michele! Hugs!!

By: Michele

Michele — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 02:38:56 +0000

I love your work Paivi. I love that you talk about the old Masters, and I love when you speak of the modern Masters. I have come full circle in my exploration and appreciation for art, my own attempts included. The thing I deeply admire about all art is the spirit that moves each and every artist to create it. The authenticity, I feel comes from the soul of the artist that creates, because no two are ever alike. Therein lies the uniqueness, their voice, not so much in the subject matter but in the wonderful way they create it and we each perceive it. The way your voice speaks if you are painting dreamy blue fantasy floral scapes, or Finnish folk design, your voice is ever-present. P.S. Love is the only answer *Hugs

By: Päivi

Päivi — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 12:59:09 +0000

In reply to Helen Sanford. Thank you, Helen!!

By: Päivi

Päivi — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 12:58:37 +0000

In reply to Lynne Braga (Louisa Ellingham). Thank you so much for your insightful comment, Lynne! I really enjoyed reading it, it was both interesting and uplifting, thank you!

By: Helen Sanford

Helen Sanford — Sun, 30 May 2021 12:55:49 +0000

Shame–it’s a shame we carry that feeling but I think we all do, to a degree; about one thing or another. I agree with a lot of what was written above–to me, art is part of who we are when we paint (or collage or knit or alter books); especially if we can let our self show itself–to show oneself in our art is freeing (I do not–I stay in my head too much). I so enjoy reading what you write and frequently it hits home for me–as does this shame you speak of. I’ve said many times your work is delightful, expressive; full of feelings and life. As far as the old masters go–that style of painting will probably return some day–part of the circle.

By: Lynne Braga (Louisa Ellingham)

Lynne Braga (Louisa Ellingham) — Sat, 29 May 2021 00:36:20 +0000

This is a great post Paivi, because it speaks to me of my own problems and fears with art and indeed, with life. I grew up in a very poor house in an affluent neighbourhood. My parents and I were looked down on by others. My Mom wanted so much to be a part of the upper classes that she found ways to dress me in very extravagant clothes. This backfired, of course, because other girls were jealous. Mom herself, had physical disabilities that left her housebound. Dad was an intellectual and a thespian–he wasn’t interested in “class”. I suffered a lot and felt shame for our my impoverished home and eccentric parents (even though I loved them!). Much later, still living in poverty with my husband and children, I remember my husband, a scholar, saying: “There’s no shame in being poor.”

Jan Illingsworth’s comments on suppression of what “your Truth” is, I find very relevant because of my studies in Jungian psychology. Whatever we suppress becomes the Shadow and will eventually emerge in very unexpected and often, unpleasant ways. Yes, I have much guilt and shame over past deeds and this gets in my way. The “Sacred Self” is often stifled I believe–not only in art, but in life. My attitude toward art has always been one of exploration and although I concentrated on art during my teens, no one except my parents encouraged me. I did not pursue a career in illustration and I have felt a lot shame that I didn’t pursue “my dream”! I’ve always had a fascination with all periods and forms of art, but it wasn’t until my husband died that a search into my own artistic expression really began. Although producing “abstract” has always been difficult–I so often fall back into representation–I’ve followed an eclectic approach, trying everything that is possible whilst living in a small apartment! Recently I’ve wanted to take up fabric art. However, there is often an overwhelming feeling and bewilderment in the art realm–too much online to feel comfortable with!

Paivi, I think your progress in art should only be based on what you feel, not what you “think”. What difference does it make if you follow the old masters or the newer trends , mixing and matching and in the end, simply manifesting your own unique style?! And who knows, perhaps you will in the future create something magnificent blending technology with art–perhaps an architectural achievement! In the words of T.S. Eliot: “We shall not cease from exploration…” I’m convinced of one thing–that art is one of the very best ways to explore ourselves on our spiritual journey. And in summing up, perhaps I am most sympathetic towards that quote by Monet–“It is simply necessary to love”.

Thank you so much for this enlightening post!

By: Päivi

Päivi — Fri, 28 May 2021 14:09:38 +0000

In reply to Ruth. Than you, Ruth! Oil paintings can be very different, depends on the techniques - thin or thick layers etc.

By: Päivi

Päivi — Fri, 28 May 2021 12:51:34 +0000

These comments are so insightful and there’s so much to read and ponder, thank you so much everyone!!

By: Päivi

Päivi — Fri, 28 May 2021 12:50:31 +0000

In reply to CARLA HEISTEN. Thank you, Carla!

By: Päivi

Päivi — Fri, 28 May 2021 12:49:51 +0000

In reply to Helle Brix Larsen. Thank you, Helle!!

By: Päivi

Päivi — Fri, 28 May 2021 12:49:30 +0000

In reply to Jan Illingsworth. Thank you for your insights, Jan!

By: Päivi

Päivi — Fri, 28 May 2021 12:48:19 +0000

In reply to Kat. Thanks, Kat!